One last chance for a democratic European Union

Between 23 and 26 May, Europe goes to the polls to elect a new European Parliament. It will be the most controversial and important elections in decades.

But elections are not enough to realise democracy.

The democratic problems of the European Union are vast. The EU has gained ever more competences, but democracy has stayed behind. Some of the most important decisions, such as the content of the EU Treaties or Eurogroup policies, are taken behind closed doors – outside the reach of parliaments. Corporate lobbyists and special interests have filled up the democratic vacuum. The uniformity of European law throughout the EU means one size fits nobody.

And the citizens… end up being powerless.

We need to recognise that the democratic problems of the EU and its elitist nature have been a big factor in the growth of popular alienation, euroscepticism and Brexit.

The EU needs to change. Citizens should be put at the beginning and the end of political decision-making in the EU. That is why Democracy International, Meer Democratie Netherlands and partner organisations have started the #NowTheCitizens campaign. We are calling for the organisation of citizens’ assemblies on the democratic future of Europe. They can bring together citizens selected by lot, from diverse backgrounds, who don’t normally meet and discuss, and can think outside the box to develop proposals for a fundamental renewal of democracy in Europe. To ensure ownership and broad support among the population, referendums should be held on the outcomes.

Together with almost 60 NGOs we are calling all candidates for the European Parliament to sign our pledge and promise support for this. Check which candidates have pledged so far – and sign our petition!

Yours,

Arjen Nijeboer,

Board Member Democracy International and Campaigning Manager Now the Citizens

#NowTheCitizens are demanding a democratic reform of the EU

The upcoming European elections are one of the most critical elections in our common European history. Democracy International has launched a campaign for democratic reform.

Read more here

Dealing with this complicated history, Peru‘s transition to democracy started 17 years ago. The constitution of the semi-presidential republic enshrines not only four direct-democratic instruments at the national level, but also two at the local level. At the Navigator to Direct Democracy symposium on “Political Culture and Active Citizenship” at the Bergische Universität Wuppertal, Arturo Maldonado, professor at the Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru, spoke with Democracy International about the use of these instruments at the local level and the current status of democracy in Peru.

From United Nations to United Citizens

Democratic participation matters on all levels. In times of unprecedented global challenges, that has to mean that citizens also get a voice on the global level. So quid United Nations?

Read more here

Three Ways to Improve Taiwan's Direct Democracy

The new conventional wisdom is that electoral democracy is in decline. But the assumption ignores a different global trend: direct democracy is booming, especially at local and regional levels of government.

Read more here

ECI Day 2019: Digital voices

This year's European Citizens' Initiative Day provided an opportunity to evalute the recently concluded revision of the world's first and only tool of transnational direct democracy.

Read more here

Order now "Europe - The Unfinished Democracy"

In this book, Ute Scheub sketches out the building blocks for a renovated European House based on extended democracy, citizen participation, solidarity, human rights and climate protection.

More info here